NASET News Alert

Obama Lets States Opt Out Of 'No Child Left Behind'

September 23, 2011

Decrying the state of American education, President Obama announced Friday that his administration is allowing states to be exempt from basic elements of the No Child Left Behind law if they meet certain conditions.

States can now apply for waivers so that they won't face federal sanctions under the sweeping Bush-era legislation.

The announcement could fundamentally affect the education of tens of millions of children. It will allow states to scrap the requirement that all children must show they are proficient in reading and math by 2014 — a cornerstone of the law — if states meet conditions designed to better prepare and test students.

The president said he had to take action because Congress has tried but failed to pass an update to the law. During a White House ceremony, Obama said that's why he has to grant waivers to states that are making good faith efforts, but still can't meet the standards of the law.

"Congress hasn't been able to do it. So I will. Our kids only get one shot at a decent education." - President Obama